The IATEFL membership officer (Natalie Chambers)

When I started out, I was immediately thrown in at the deep end as the 2017 Annual Conference in Glasgow was only 4 weeks away! Not only was I getting to grips with a new role but I was then put in front of over 3000 delegates, trustees and volunteers really trying to make a good impression. I was trying to remember who everyone was, how the conference worked and what I was meant to be doing…. it was exhausting!!! Having said that it was great, as I learnt so much and a year on I can safely say I have taken ownership of my role as IATEFL Membership Officer and can’t wait to get stuck in at Brighton (as this time I am definitely more prepared).

So what does the Membership Officer do?

No two days are the same in the life of the Membership Officer. Even though there are specific tasks carried out throughout the month, depending on the time of the year, there is a lot of variety. My general responsibilities include processing memberships, producing monthly reports, sending renewal reminders, submitting periodical reports to publishers and preparing the monthly webinars, to name a few. I am also one of the five members on the Membership and Marketing Committee. As well as all this I like to try and keep you up to date with all things IATEFL via our social media platforms, so don’t forget to look out for our posts on Facebook and Twitter.

As the conference is fast approaching, it is a busy time and it’s all systems go. I have been sending out the invitations for the IATEFL Associates’ Day, which is held on the same day as the PCE’s [Pre-Conference Events]. It gives the nominated representatives the opportunity to network with other IATEFL Associates from all corners of the globe.

One of the final preparations for the conference will be the delegate badges. Once the online registration closes on 22nd March 2018, I will gather all the information and begin producing them ready to take with us in April. Don’t worry if you missed the deadline, you can still book your place onsite in Brighton!

One of the best things about my job is the opportunity to meet and talk to so many different people from all over the world and from all walks of life. Of course it wouldn’t be the same without working with everyone at Head Office on a daily basis. There are only nine of us but I think we make a pretty great team.

If you have any questions about membership feel free to send me an email natalie@iatefl.org or come and see me in Brighton. Even if you just want to say ‘Hi’, it’s always great to put a face to a name. You will see me behind the registration desk or on the IATEFL Stand in the exhibition. If not, I won’t be far away!

Bio

I started my role as IATEFL Membership Officer in March 2017, having had previous experience in administration, database and systems analysis and customer service. I love to travel and one of my biggest passions is dance, having started my working life as a performer, choreographer and dance teacher.

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